The Skinny

The BOB Revolution Flex Duallie has just about every feature parents or passengers might need, without frivolous nods to superfluous accessories. The Flex is easy to maneuver, made with quality materials, easy to use, with ample storage, and impressive performance in most test areas. This stroller will win your heart, mind, feet, hands, and just about every other part of you, which is why we gave it Top Pick for All-Terrain strolling. We think parents will enjoy the versatility of moving off-road and jogging with ease. This stroller provides families with more opportunities for adventure, something we think is good for everyone. We would recommend it to friends.

Our Analysis and Hands-on Test Results

Review by:
Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team

Last Updated:
Friday
May 5, 2017

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The BOB Revolution Flex Duallie is a side-by-side all-terrain double jogging stroller. It has pneumatic rubber tires, locking swivel front wheel, adjustable suspension, tracking, adjustable handlebar, and the ability to accept one infant car seat. The BOB has a 2 step fold, with quick release wheels made from high impact polymer. Each seat can be reclined independently, and each passenger has their own UPF 50+ canopy as well. The Flex has under seat storage, pockets on the back of the passenger seats and inside seat stow pockets. Canopies each have a large peek-a-boo window. Babies can ride in the standard seats at around 6 months old, but should not be taken jogging or on rough roads until they are 8-12 months with a go-ahead from your pediatrician.

The BOB Revolution Flex Duallie is a great all-terrain stroller with adjustable suspension and rubber pneumatic tires that accepts one infant car seat. These models are 7 1/2 months old and a 5 yr old that is 40 lbs and 44 in.

Performance Comparison

This comparison chart shows the overall scores for all the strollers tested in this review. The BOB Revolution Duallie Flex is shown in blue. It is easy to see from the ranking why this stroller earned an award.

The information provided below includes details on how the BOB performed during testing for each metric.

Ease of Use

This is the second place score for the group with the high of 8 for the metric being earned by the UPPAbaby Vista Double.

Fold and Unfold

The BOB is a two hand fold with a manual lock that does not self-stand, it has no carry handle or strap. It folds in 4-6 steps that are easy to manage. The most difficult part of the fold for this stroller comes after the fold when you have to lift it to move it. Much of the competition offers an automatic lock or self-standing properties, so it is disappointing that a stroller of this price wouldn't offer similar features. Given its larger overall girth, even when folded, it can be a bear to lug or move. The thick fold means it is harder to wiggle into tight spaces, and it might prohibit it from public transport altogether. The unfolding process is just as easy as the folding, it can be performed in 2-3 steps, and isn't a strain on the back. It can be done with 1 or 2 hands depending on how skilled you are.

The brakes on the BOB are single action and easy to use.

Brakes

The brakes on the BOB are single action with a long bar that goes across the back of the stroller. They changed the brake pedal this year to a plastic pedal that is larger and easier to use, but it doesn't instill the same level of quality that the metal pad used to. The pedal is easy to access, is sandal foot friendly, and easy to set. Releasing the brakes is now easier than it used to be, but it is still easy to accomplish and easy on feet. There is no chance of thinking the brakes are engaged if they are not truly engaged.

Storage

The main storage for the Revolution is a large under seat bin that is easy to access from the back and sides. It fits our large diaper bag filled with supplies for two, but it is a little hard to get it in given that the back strap can get in the way. But there is room to spare for other items with the diaper bag in place, and the bin can still be accessed even with the seats fully reclined.

The new BOB has less fabric than previous BOBs covering the ventilation on the back of the reclined seat.

The BOB also has large stow pockets on the backs of the seats. These pockets are nice for easy access items like phones and wallets, but they can be hard to get to when the seats are fully reclined because they will be somewhat hidden and sort of tilted back. The BOB offers two mesh stow pockets for each passenger. The pockets are large enough to hold a sippy cup or favorite toy and can be reached even with the passenger buckled in and fully reclined.

The peek-a-boo windows on the BOB allow parents to keep an eye on little ones without opening the canopy.

Sunshade

The dual canopies on the BOB are very large and move independently of one another for individual passenger comfort. They are made with the same canvas material as the rest of the stroller and are water resistant. Each shade has a large vinyl peek-a-boo window with hook and loop closures. The window cover rolls up and can be secured to keep constant visual contact with the passengers. The canopy extends past the knees of most passengers offering superior sun protection. The BOB sunshades are some of the nicest in the bunch and are easy to operate. The outside of the shades includes reflective fabric to increase stroller visibility when needed for additional safety.

The photos above show the BOB with the seat backs upright and canopies closed and the seat backs fully reclined with the canopies fully extended.

The plastic red loops on the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie's harness make adjustment very easy with a simple pull to tighten. The shoulder straps could be a little difficult to adjust due to the padding on the straps.

Harness

The BOB has a 5-point harness for each seat that has an adjustable crotch strap and five shoulder height adjustment. The harness is easy to adjust at all points, easy to put on, and easy to take off. The buckle can be released using just one hand, and even users with injured fingers managed without using two hands. The adjustment points and buckles are clear of fabrics and are easy to access. The harness has padded shoulder straps for additional comfort.

Seat

There is no adjustable leg rest on the Revolution, but the product does offer a nicely padded leg rest that has ample legroom for both passengers and a relatively large foot rest. There is a strap on the transition point from seat bottom to leg rest that is made of rougher materials than the seat bottom itself and could potentially rub on sensitive skin causing discomfort. It's hard to say if this will happen, but it looks likely from the location and rough texture of the strap. Each seat back on the BOB can recline up to 32 degrees independent of one another allowing each passenger to adjust for personal comfort. The recline is achieved with a strap on the back of the seat that isn't as easy to use as some of the competition, but with two hands it can be done fairly quickly.

Ease of Setup

The BOB is easy to setup compared to the competition, and it took us just over 6 minutes to get it out of the box and ready to use. The manual is clear with good pictures arranged throughout the text where they are relevant. There is only one language per instruction manual, which is a nice departure from some of the competition that offered lots of languages randomly interspersed. The assembly is quick and requires no tools. We liked the new quick release change to the rear wheels over the previous version's release.

It took us longer to get it out of the box and read the instructions than it did to assemble, and we caution parents that it is heavy and sort of difficult to get out of the box with only one person.

The tires on the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie are air filled rubber and helped the stroller earn a high score in our tests for maneuverability. This stroller will easily roam over almost any terrain.

Maneuverability

Nothing maneuvers like a BOB, with a score of 9 of 10 it proves that even a double side-by-side stroller can be easy to move in tight spaces over various terrain, something we didn't see much of in the competition.

The front swivel wheel on the BOB can be locked in place for increased control over uneven terrain.

Maneuvering on hard surfaces is a breeze for this product with its three-wheel design and pneumatic tires, it can turn on a dime and take tight corners easy and without preparation. While the side-by-side wider footprint can make navigation tricky, the one front wheel helps offset this problem by being easier to get into spaces without getting wheels caught on baseboards or chair legs. The width did make it trickier to get through the narrower doorways you might find in a public restroom, but it is still better than really long inline models that needed more room to make turns and move backward.

For grass and gravel, the BOB continues to impress. The wheels on the BOB are larger than most, and its trike design and rubber tires give it an edge for all terrains. Given that the BOB is advertised as good on hiking trails and trail running, it isn't a big surprise that it stomped most of the competition when we took it off the beaten path. Going up curbs is also easier in the BOB given the larger size of the back wheels and the placement of the brake bar. Both make going up backward easier than the competition, and the suspension gives passengers a little relief from the bumping that curbs can cause.

The BOB is a large folded package, and it is awkward to pick up thanks to its shape.

Weight and Folded Size

The Revolution earned a 4 of 10 for weight and folded size thanks to a heavier than average weight and a large, cumbersome folded package. The BOB weighs just over 34 pounds, which is a slight increase over the previous version. The average for the group is 32.2 pounds, so it is over the average, but not by much. The heaviest stroller in the group is the Baby Trend Navigator with a weight of 39.7 pounds. The similar Thule Urban Glide 2 weighs 32.6 and has a smaller fold.

The BOB's folded measurements are 30.8"W x 18.5"H x 39.5"L which is slightly smaller than the previous version. This comes to 22,507 cubic inches altogether. The BOB does not have a very compact fold, but it is shorter than some of the competition, and you can remove the wheels to make it somewhat smaller. It may not fit in a standard trunk with wheels on, and you might have to secure the trunk lid closed if it sits strangely inside. This product will have an easier time fitting in an SUV hatchback than a traditional sedan.

The BOB earned a high score for quality, despite our feelings of a decrease in attention to detail from previous incarnations of BOB strollers.

Quality

The BOB earned an 8 of 10 for quality tying with the UPPAbaby Vista. The top scoring products in this review are the Thule Urban Glide 2 and the Thule Chariot Cross 2 with 9s.

BOB uses Poly and Dobby weave fabrics that have a water repellent coating and include open cell foam padding. The material appears durable, snag resistant, and sewn nicely to the frame. The seat padding is made from thermo-molded materials, and portions of the seat and canopy have reflective accents. The foot rest materials seem thicker and tougher than the material used on the rest of the product. The fabric is spill resistant and can be spot cleaned with water and a cloth.

The photos above show the current Revolution (left) and the previous Revolution (right). Notice the smaller amount of fabric hanging near the handlebar. Not only is it smaller on the new version the fabric itself is very thin unlike the thick fabric of previous models.

The frame on the Revolution is made with chromoly and aluminum that is powder coated. It has nice tight connection joints, and there is little to no flex in the frame when pushing, even when weighted. The frame is relatively lightweight but manages to maintain a substantial feel.

The BOB has high-impact polymer composite wheels with pneumatic tires. The wheels in the back are 16 inches, and the front wheel is 12 ½ inches. The tires have tubes that are pneumatic with Schrader valves, and easy to replace with quick release design that has been improved over the previous version. These are some of the nicest quality in this review.

The BOB has an adjustable handlebar that rotate on a pivot. This places taller pushers closer to the stroller which can lead ot kicking of the rear axle.

The BOB has a nice sized handlebar that is easy to grip and hold even at a jogging pace. It offers firm, comfortable foam padding that is dense but soft. The bar extends straight across the back of the frame, and we feel it might have been better with a more ergonomic design. The handlebar is adjustable on a pivot point with a range from 33.4/49.9 inches from the ground. This is one of the widest ranges in the group. This product also comes with a safety strap to ensure the stroller never gets away from the pusher.

The Revolution has a nice fit and finish that are noticeable, and even more prominent when sitting side-by-side with the competition. Everything looks like it is designed in a way that had performance and function in mind. There are no rough edges or poor stitching, and while it might look more industrial, it gives the impression that it gets the job done and can continue to get it done for years to come.

The BOB seats and harness are nicely padded, and the suspension offers coil spring and elastomer core shock absorbers for three inches of wheel travel. The shock release knobs have two positions for different weight and cargo with a position for weight between 1-50 pounds and a second position for 50-100 pounds.

The car seat attachment for the BOB uses an adapter (sold separately) that is both a snap on and strap in type of attachment making it more difficult than much of the competition.

Ease of Car Seat Attachment

The BOB can accept one infant car seat. The adapter is a frame style adapter that connects to the BOB frame, does not need assembly, and the canopy can stay in place. This stroller is compatible with the BOB and Britax seats, some Graco, Chicco and Peg Perego options. We tested the Revolution with the Britax B-Safe 35, Chicco Keyfit 30, Graco Click Connect, and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35. All of the seats click onto the adapter and require the second step of attaching a strap to secure them. We aren't big fans of adapters that require a strap because we fear some parents will forget or intentionally choose not to use the strap leaving baby open to potential injury. Because of this none of the seats we tested scored that high for ease of attaching or removing. However, the Primo Viaggio did score slightly higher than the others.

The BOB is really only good for older twins that can sit independently and support their own heads. It cannot be used with 2 infants, making it a poor choice for newborn twins.

Twins

The BOB is probably not the best stroller for twins unless you plan on not strolling until they are at least 8 months old. The BOB can only accept one infant car seat, which means only one infant can stroll at a time. More importantly, you can't use the regular seats until the baby is at least 6 months old or has adequate head control. Jogging is also ill-advised until your baby is at least 8-12 months according to the manufacturer's manual, and we suggest you speak with your baby's pediatrician before taking off. This makes the BOB a better choice for families with children of different ages, or who are already old enough to sit upright without assistance.

The BOB is great at just about anything, but is certainly more at home off the beaten path than on urban city sidewalks. These little models are 7.5 months old and a 5 year old that is 40 pounds and 44 inches tall.

Best Applications

The BOB makes a great primary stroller or a stroller for active outdoor enthusiasts. Even if your plan is just to get off the beaten path now and then, you'll have a much better time rolling over rough terrain with the BOB Flex. With ample storage space, a variety of places to stow goodies, and oversized canopies, the design and execution of the Flex Duallie makes it a great option for parents who don't want to stop their outdoor lifestyle after your baby arrives. Given that this stroller scored at the top of the heap, it would be a great option for just about anyone, unless perhaps, your primary goal for owning a stroller is commuting. The BOB's overall size and higher weight make it a poor candidate for urban living in tight space or where public transportation is a must.

Value

The BOB is a little more expensive than much of the competition. With a list price of $710, it is the third most expensive option in the review. However, given that it is frequently on sale, it can often cost you less to own the BOB of your dreams. Despite the higher price tag, we would still consider the BOB to be a good value. Why? Quality, durability, and a tried and true design that has been impressing parents and runners alike for years. While paying more for a product doesn't always translate into a better item, it does in the case of the BOB and some of the other strollers we tested. The larger price does buy you a better quality product that uses durable materials to create a stroller that will last well past the day your children outgrow it. If the price is hard to swallow up front, you will likely recoup at least half of the cost when selling it in 5 years once your children have outgrown it. So while the price tag might seem high, the BOB will pay for itself in peace of mind, longevity, and resale value. Like a fine automobile, the BOB will last a long time and be easy to rehome for a fair price and possibly half your money back.

The BOB Revolution Flex Duallie is a functional stroller that performed well in our tests. These little riders are 12 months, 18 lbs. and 28", and 2.5 years old, 30 lbs., and 37.5".

Conclusion

The BOB Revolution Flex Duallie is a pleasure to use and own. The wide padded double seats keep passengers cozy, while the adjustable suspension pneumatic rubber tires keep the ride relatively bump free. This stroller comes with a nice under seat storage in and includes inside stow pockets for little riders. There isn't much to dislike about the BOB, which is why we gave it our Top Pick award for all-terrain activities. Not only did it earn a high rank in our tests, but it managed the work in such a way that it had us smiling for no real reason. This product scored well for maneuverability, quality, and ease of use. The only thing it could do better is lose a little weight. The BOB is definitely a product we recommend.

Accessories

The BOB Child Accessory Tray gives little one somewhere to keep snack and cups. While some reviewers say it is too far away from passengers to use, we think it can still be useful with children in the upright position.

If you're serious about fitness or getting back into shape after baby, the BOB also has a BOB Duallie Fitness Kit for getting in a complete body workout while pushing your children. This accessory is not unique to BOB, but it seemed like a thoughtful gift for any active mom looking to get back in shape. This is the kit that comes with the Strider version of the Duallie. If you purchase a different version and still want the fitness kit, it is nice to know you can get it as an accessory after the fact.

Other Versions

BOB offers three different 2016 Duallie options; we only reviewed the Revolution Flex. The other options are the 2016 Revolution Pro Duallie, the and 2016 Stroller Strides Duallie. The Strides option comes with a fitness kit and parent console for parents who are looking to get fit with their BOB. In all other ways, it looks like it is the same as the Flex. The Pro model has a different colored frame and hand brake for the slowing of the BOB on hills. In all other ways, it looks to be the same as the Flex we reviewed. Depending on your goals and plans with the BOB one of these options might be a better fit for you.

Video

—
Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team

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